Driver Inattention Fatalities Up
Fatal crashes on Nova Scotia's highways are up by over 20 per cent and there has been three times as many fatal collisions caused by driver inattention.
The statistics from a Department of Transportation and Public Works interim report compare fatal motor vehicle collisions between Jan. 1 to Aug. 15, 1998 and Jan. 1 and Aug. 15, 1999. The numbers have traffic safety officials at the departments of Transportation and Public Works and Business and Consumer Services concerned.
As of Aug. 15, 1999, there were 58 fatal collisions compared to 48 during the same period last year. The number of fatalities also rose to 64 from 57 in 1998.
Most disturbing are the numbers of fatal crashes where driver inattention and distraction were identified as the cause. As of Aug. 15, 1999, there were 18 fatal crashes attributed to driver inattention and distraction compared to six during the same period in 1998. This equals a 200 per cent increase. The number of fatalities from these collisions is also up by 137 per cent.
"These statistics are headed in the wrong direction," Transportation and Public Works Minister Gordon Balser said. "I am very concerned about this situation, especially with the Labour Day long weekend coming up and children heading back to school this week throughout the province."
Minister Balser said that he is particularly worried about the number of fatal crashes due to driver inattention and distraction. "With a buoyant economy and a booming tourism industry, there is more traffic than ever on Nova Scotia's roads. That is why remaining alert behind the wheel is so important," he said. "Most collisions occur during daylight hours in clear weather and on dry pavement. That tells me that a lot of drivers are simply not in complete control of their automobiles."
Business and Consumer Services Minister Neil LeBlanc said his department and the Department of Transportation and Public Works work together to raise awareness of road safety.
"Lives lost on Nova Scotia's highways are unnecessary. Any activity that distracts a motorist's attention from driving, whether it's talking on a cell phone or tuning the radio, poses a potential threat," said Minister LeBlanc. "Driver inattention is more subtle than drinking and driving, but in many cases they have the same end result."
The report also shows there were fewer alcohol-and speed-related crashes. The number of alcohol-related motor vehicle deaths is down by 25 per cent this year over last, while the number of speed-related deaths is down by nearly 29 per cent. Minister Balser said he was somewhat encouraged by this progress.
"Accidents just don't happen -- there are reasons and causes," said Mr. Balser. "If motorists on our highways are distracted and inattentive, then we need to do some education and awareness to improve the situation. Lives depend on it."
NOTE TO EDITORS: A safe driving tip sheet is available on the Transportation and Public Works website at www.gov.ns.ca/tran (follow the sidebar link to What's New) or by telephone at 902- 424-8687.
Following are fatal motor vehicle collision statistics from Jan. 1 to Aug. 15, 1998, and Jan.1 to Aug. 15, 1999.
General Fatal Statistics 1998 1999 (+/-%)
of fatal accidents 48 58 +20.8% of fatalities 57 64 +12.3% of occupant fatal accidents 36 43 +19.4% of occupant fatalities 44 48 +9.1%pedestrian fatal accidents 8 8 N/C pedestrian fatalities 8 8 N/C motorcycle fatal accidents 3 5 +66.7% motorcycle fatalities 4 6 +50.0% ATV fatal accidents 0 1 0.0% ATV fatalities 0 0 0.0% bicycle fatal accidents 1 1 N/C bicycle fatalities 1 1 N/C snowmobile fatal accidents 0 0 N/C snowmobile fatalities 0 0 N/C
Alcohol statistics
of fatal accidents 17 15 -11.8% of fatalities 20 15 -25.0%Speed & Too fast for conditions
of fatal accidents 6 5 -16.7% of fatalities 7 5 -28.6%Driver inattention/driver distraction
of fatal accidents 6 18 +200.0% of fatalities 8 19 +137.5%